Grefe ’05 redefines banking after 15+ years of service
As Kelly Grefe’s four year journey came to an end when he graduated from Hastings College in 2005, he had no idea where his career would take him. Now, after 15+ years…
Success Tags: 2000s
Darling ’03 leads Fontenelle Forest, inspires a love for nature
On a bitterly cold winter’s morning, Matt Darling ’03 points out the wonders of Fontenelle Forest Nature Center: 17 miles of hiking trails winding through 1,400 acres of upland forest and Missouri…
Liberal arts education prepared Mills for career in social media marketing
The prevalence of social media marketing in today’s society has produced job opportunities in a brand-new industry, one that Hastings College alumnus Casey Mills ‘08 has taken advantage of. Though his college…
Akotaobi aims to grow concepts of equity, diversity and inclusion
After graduating from Hastings College in 2006, Uzo Akotaobi had no idea where he would go. He just knew he needed a job in human resources where he could devote his career…
Perdunn ‘04 protects power system by working in cybersecurity with OPPD
A man of many talents, Michael Perdunn ’04 worked in customer service, marketing and project management before landing a dream job that fits with his passions. He protects the Omaha Public Power…
Jaffe ’09 and animal ambassadors encourage conservation
The denizens of Nature’s Educators, a nonprofit animal sanctuary and education center founded by Hastings College alumna Devin (Paszek) Jaffe ‘09 in Sedalia, Colorado, are a wild bunch with poignant personal stories.…
Ayala ’06 promotes Nebraska’s craft breweries
As Gabriela (Gabby) Ayala ’06 sips an India Pale Ale at Zipline Brewing Co. in Lincoln, Nebraska, other customers wander into the taproom: a bearded dude in a gray hoodie, a sharp-dressed…
Alumnus advocates for Nebraska’s children
JohnCarl Denkovich ends every email with these words from 19th century social reformer and orator Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken [adults].” The quotation is…
Schlichtman works with gaming company to normalize the hospital experience
Austin Schlichtman began his career as a child life specialist which, interestingly enough, led him to write a children’s book to help explain death before switching roles to work with The Bungie…
Darling ’03 helps others find joy in giving
You might think that Matt Darling ‘03, vice president of donor services at the Omaha Community Foundation, works exclusively with CEO’s, business executives and other members of the “top 1 percent.” But…
